7 Fun, Fulfilling Gap Semester Programs Abroad This Year

Are you eager to get away from it all? (We’re sure everyone is—2020 has presented its fair share of challenges!) Do you need a break in your routine? Or maybe you’re searching for direction? Gap semester programs abroad could be your answer!

We hear you—a year abroad is a huge commitment! Enter: gap semesters.

Break out of the mundane, gain work experience, travel to the far corners of the world, volunteer your time, and learn something new along the way. Ultimately, get lost in inspiration and feel refreshed and focused for whatever exciting path comes next!

What is a gap semester? How does it compare to a gap year?

What is a gap semester and what does “gap” mean? Gap stands for “get abroad, pronto!” Actually, no, it doesn’t. But, it could! What a gap semester really means is having a gap in time or, more simply, some time off from your regularly scheduled programming.

It could potentially be a reset or pathfinding opportunity for those in between high school and college, those in the midst of their college studies, or even those recent college grads who aren’t quite ready to jump into the 9-5 routine post-graduation.

Gap semester programs for college students (and sometimes high school students) are shorter than a full gap year, still allow for growth, exploration, and (of course) fun, but in a shortened period of time.

You could learn a new language while taking in the world around you or dabble in different volunteer sectors to explore causes that you’re passionate about. No matter the time frame you’re working with, why not take it? You deserve it and you’ll benefit from it!

7 gap semester programs for college students

Wondering what to do during a gap semester? These programs have built some of coolest gap semester itineraries we’ve seen!

1. Projects Abroad: Gap Semester Abroad in the Galapagos Islands

• Program highlights: The beauty in a gap semester program is in taking the time to try out new things, learn, and explore different interests. This program checks all the boxes as you’ll be hands-on at a new task every two weeks. To begin, you may be lending a hand to giant sea turtle and sea lion conservation efforts before shifting to early childhood development or sports coaching opportunities. Additionally, si tú no hablas español, no problem! You’ll receive tailored Spanish classes to help you no matter how much (or little!) you currently know. All the while, enjoy island life and immersing yourself in the local community during your stay on San Cristobal.
• When: Programs start year round for 6 weeks
• Where: Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
• Read Projects Abroad reviews

2. HDC: High Desert Center Writing Retreat

• Program highlights: If you’re an aspiring author or have a way with words, let your writing flow freely at the High Desert Center Writing Retreat. This gap semester program for college students provides endless creative spaces to putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). Set amidst Colorado’s stunning scenery, enjoy outdoor writing spaces or scribe from a number of coffee shops in town. Come together with new friends and mentors each evening to share your writing accomplishments or challenges of the day. In between your writing stints, enjoy cooking class, dance lessons, hiking trips, and hanging with your new pen pals. A bonus if you’re passionate about the environment: the High Desert Center campus has many sustainability practices in place—the showers are solar-heated and the food is farm-to-table. 
• When: September to October each year (inquire for exact dates)
• Where: Paonia, Colorado
• Read High Desert Center reviews

3. Carpe Diem Education: Central America Semester

• Program highlights: Immerse yourself in wonder and the Spanish language as you trek and adventure through Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. You’ll be chatting it up with new friends in no time as you’ll have daily opportunities to practice Spanish with locals, while on volunteer projects, and while staying in a homestay. Other program focuses include sustainability and leadership. You’ll also have the exciting opportunity to swim with the fishes (in a good way) when you become a certified scuba diver, help out sea turtles with a local non-profit, and learn first hand about sustainable living and organic agriculture. College credit and financial aid opportunities are also available with Carpe Diem Education Gap Semester programs.
• When: Spring or Fall; duration varies by location
• Where: Central America 
• Read Carpe Diem Education reviews

4. Projects Abroad: Wellness & Traditional Healing in Sri Lanka

• Program highlights: If you answered “yes!” to the “Are you searching for direction?” question, this gap semester abroad could provide you with a map! And if not a physical map, certainly the time for inward reflection and focus. Enjoy yoga and meditation sessions sprinkled in with exploring your surroundings, giving back through a day of volunteering, cooking class, and even a tuk-tuk safari. If finding your inner peace, learning, and having time for adequate relaxation all sound like the perfect gap semester program abroad to you, then have a wonderful time in Sri Lanka!
• When: Programs start year round for 2 weeks
• Where: Sri Lanka
• Read Projects Abroad reviews

5. Maximo Nivel: Country Jumper Gap Year - Costa Rica, Guatemala, Peru

• Program highlights: Become a “country jumper” and design your gap program to your liking! You’ll have the incredible opportunity to study Spanish across four campuses in three countries, allowing you to learn different dialects while you’re at it. The Country Jumper program includes airport pickup and orientation to help you become familiar with your surroundings, community service projects in each community you visit, as well as host family accommodation to further aid you in your language-learning efforts. A highlight of this gap semester program abroad is the Tandem Conversation program—you’ll chat with a native Spanish speaker learning English as the two of you work towards your language-learning goals!
• When: Programs start year round; recommended 3-week minimum duration
• Where: Latin America
• Read Maximo Nivel reviews

6. Pacific Discovery: New Zealand & Australia Gap Year Semester

• Program highlights: Are you looking for a 2-for-1 challenge and adventure combo? You don’t have to look any further! (Though you’ll need to travel quite far down under in order to arrive at your adventure!) Pacific Discovery’s gap semester program serves up challenge and adventure by way of surfing, mountain biking, white water rafting, rock-climbing, canoeing, and more. When you’re not adventuring in the great outdoors, you’ll lend a hand to nature and marine reserves through your 3-week conservation project. You’ll learn a bit about the history, culture, society, and environment along the way and be guided in reflecting on what moves you. By the end, you’ll be sure to have great friends, an arsenal of travel stories that will make anyone jealous, and a greater sense of identity and purpose. 
• When: Spring or Fall 
• Where: New Zealand & Australia
• Read Pacific Discovery reviews

7. That's Mandarin: Gap Year in China Programs

• Program highlights: If your interests include Chinese language and culture, and if a gap semester on a budget is what you’re after—this is it! That's Mandarin provides you with the choice of staying with a Chinese host family for extra language practice, or staying in a Western-style apartment. Their highly customizable Chinese language classes allow you to choose intensive, part-time, or small group settings. Outside of Chinese class and time spent with your new fam or friends, you’ll be able to travel and learn about the Chinese culture firsthand. 
• When: Program starts year round for a minimum of 2 weeks
• Where: Beijing and Shanghai, China
• Read That's Mandarin reviews

Compare these programs (and more!) side-by-side for FREE with MyGoAbroad

What will you do during a gap semester?

Achieve greatness during your semester away!

As highlighted for many of the programs above, your gap semester is what you make it. A gap semester can be in one place and focus on language studies, or it can span the globe and focus on service and adventure.

What to do during a gap semester should depend on your interests, your values, and your reason for taking a “gap” in your otherwise scheduled studies or work. Make sure to ask yourself what you are hoping to gain from your time spent abroad. Soon you’ll be making the most of whatever gap semester program abroad you choose!

Explore ALL Gap Semester Programs Abroad on GoAbroad.com

This article was written with help from Projects Abroad. Projects Abroad was founded in 1992 with the mission of inspiring young people to volunteer abroad. Their programs provide the opportunity to gain work experience while discovering new cultures and positively impacting communities, wildlife, and environments across five continents.